Divorce Brings Serious Health Risks to Men, Study Reveals

Lisa Franchi October 03, 2013

It is a common belief that men are less prone to psychological trauma than women. But a new study suggests otherwise, revealing that the effects of divorce may be particularly harder on men. The study, which was published in the Journal of Men’s Health, found that divorced men have higher rates of substance abuse, depression, lack of social support, and premature death.

Mortality rates among divorced men are up to 250 per cent higher than married men, and the most common causes were cardiovascular disease, stroke and hypertension, the researchers note.

They were also more vulnerable to many other health problems, ranging from common colds to life-threatening diseases like cancer and heart attack.

Not only does divorce affect men’s physical health. It can also be detrimental to their well-being. According to the researchers, divorced men were more likely to engage in risky activities such as alcohol and drug abuse. They are also 39 per cent more at risk of committing suicide than married men. Furthermore, depression rates are higher in divorced men, and undergo psychiatric care 10 times more often than married men do.

According to the researchers, their findings highlight the urgent need to recognise and treat divorce-related health problems.

“Popular perception, and many cultures as well as the media present men as tough, resilient, and less vulnerable to psychological trauma than women. However, this article serves as a warning signal not to follow such unfounded perceptions,” said Ridwan Shabsigh, the president of International Society of Men’s Health which conducted the study. “The fact is that men get affected substantially by psychological trauma and negative life events such as divorce, bankruptcy, war, and bereavement.”

“Research is urgently needed to investigate the prevalence and impact of such effects and to develop diagnosis and treatment guidelines for practitioners.” Dr Shabsigh added.

Source of this article:

Men’s Mental Health Suffers After Divorce